Sean Monahan, the stellar centre for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is poised to return to the ice on Monday, marking his first game since January 7. The match against the New York Islanders will see Monahan back in action following a wrist injury that had temporarily benched him. The return of this dynamo is a significant boon for the Blue Jackets, given his impressive track record this season.
Before his injury, the 30-year-old Monahan was on a roll with a point-per-game, delivering 14 goals and 27 assists in 41 matches. His absence was keenly felt within the team, and his return is expected to reignite the spark that was momentarily dimmed.
Monahan’s prowess on the ice isn’t limited to this season alone. Last year, he showcased his skills with two different teams – the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets. Despite the change in environment, his performance stayed consistent, resulting in a total of 26 goals and 33 assists, aggregating 59 points from 83 regular season games.
The Blue Jackets’ head coach, Dean Evason, confirmed the return of Monahan and also announced the comeback of another strong player, Erik Gudbranson. Gudbranson, a seasoned defenseman, will be playing just his fourth game of the season after recovering from shoulder surgery. The 33-year-old Gudbranson, despite not scoring a point in his three games this season, has a solid record from last year with six goals and 26 points across 78 games.
The squad lineup for the Monday game will remain unchanged, apart from these two additions. Elvis Merzlikins will continue to guard the goal for the Blue Jackets. The return of Monahan and Gudbranson is anticipated to invigorate the team’s performance, bringing back the firepower that had been missing in their absence.
With these key players back in the lineup, the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to take on the New York Islanders with renewed vigor and determination. This return to form is what fans have been eagerly waiting for, and it’s certain to make the upcoming game a thrilling encounter to watch.
